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Describing Pain Symptoms in Your Detroit Disability Claim

If you have significant pain that has diminished your quality of life, you may be entitled to receive disability compensation.

Critical to winning your physical disability claim is verifying the extent of your impairment. You can help your chances greatly by clearly and completely describing your symptoms. Generally you will need to describe the pain in detail, including how it has been treated and what restrictions have resulted.

In describing specifically the pain you experience, it is important to indicate its origin and location. You also need to explain in detail the nature of your pain, i.e. whether it is tender to the touch; how often it comes and how long it lasts; what seems to bring on the pain or exacerbate it; whether you experience muscle spasms; and if there is numbness. You also need to indicate whether the pain travels to other parts of the body, and if so, how often this occurs. The severity of the pain and whether it is constant are also important. Finally, you need to explain whether there are other symptoms associated with the pain.

Detail the treatment you have received. Include what kinds of doctors have seen you, how often, and whether their treatments have helped. Indicate any medications that have been prescribed to you, and their efficacy. Include a description of any side effects you have experienced with these medicines, e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, problems with concentration, discomfort, nausea, or effects on your reflexes.

You likely also have sought out other ways to treat your pain besides traditional doctors, and it is important to list these in your case. These treatments may range from home remedies (hot baths, ointments, heating pads, etc.) to acupuncture and massage therapy.

Finally, you need to explain how the pain has impaired your daily life. Include how your sleep habits may have diminished, whether you have depression, anxiety, or difficulty with concentration. Specify whether you are using assistive devices such as a cane, walker, brace, or special chair. How has the pain affected your ability to work?

I have extensive experience as a Detroit disability lawyer, helping individuals establish the debilitating nature of their pain. Please contact me if you would like to talk about your case.